SCENIC RESERVE

Southland Times, Issue 20488, 16 May 1928, Page 13

SCENIC RESERVE

PETITION FROM HALDANE. DEPUTATION TO THE HON. O. J. HAWKEN. With a view to having the bush on the road between Tokanui and Curio Bay, in the Haldane district, declared a scenic reserve, a deputation from the Southland Motor Association consisting of Messrs J. R. Haigh (president), F. G. O’Beirne, and J. S. Dick (secretary), waited upon the Hon. O. J. Hawken, Minister of Agriculture and Commissioner of State Forests, yesterday. Mr Haig apologized for the unavoidable absence of Mr W. Hinchey, president of the Southland League. In reading a petition from settlers in the Haldane district asking that the Motor Association and the Southland League take up the matter, Mr Haigh said that if the bush was made a scenic reserve it would be a great asset to Southland and to New Zealand generally. It was very hilly and full of gullies, consequently it was of no use for settlement purposes. “Unfortunately,” remarked Mr Hawken, “it appears that the bush has been sold.-’ “Mr Bauchop is quite prepared to forego his interests,” said Mr Haigh, “provided he obtains milling rights elsewhere.” The Conservator of State Forests for Southland (Mr S. Darby), expressed his sympathy with the proposal, but explained that as the land in question was only a provisional reserve it would be necessary to consult the Lands Department on the matter.

Mr Hawken said that he would go into the question and obtain a report from the departments concerned. The area consisted of some 800 acres and the plan would cost a considerable amount of money. Still a certain area of it could be cut out without interfering with the bush on the road boundary.

“As the area will not be disturbed for some time yet,” said Mr Haigh, “the Department can communicate with the Southland League and the Southland Motor Association when the matter comes up for review.” He suggested that Mr Bauchop be approached to see if he would forego his milling rights on the outskirts of the bush, and with the assurance of the Minister once more that he would look into the matter, the deputation withdrew.